Do the Benefits of Facial Fat Transfers Outweigh the Risks?
Fat transfers are often praised for their big benefits and low risks, but many patients are unclear on exactly what those might be and whether a facial fat transfer procedure is right for them. Understanding the risks of any procedure is an important part of the decision process, even with a surgery that has such a low occurrence rate of complications. Weigh the benefits of fat transfer against the potential risks when you meet with your facial plastic surgeon for a one-on-one consultation.
How Are Facial Fat Transfers Performed?
A facial fat transfer can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or as an add-on to another facial surgery, such as a brow lift or facelift. It is designed to add volume to targeted areas of the face by transferring fat cells from elsewhere on your own body to the treatment location. Facial fat transfers are an ideal procedures for those experiencing volume loss around the eyes, cheeks, or mouth, and sometimes even on the backs of the hands.
The procedure is minimally invasive in natural, beginning with the harvesting of fat cells from somewhere on the body. Typical donor sites include the abdomen, buttocks and thighs, but your facial plastic surgeon will give you more specific details about your individual procedure. These collected fat cells are then spun and purified before being injected directly into the treatment area.
What Are the Benefits of Fat Transfer Procedures?
There are many positive aspects to the facial fat transfer that make it a very popular procedure among both men and women. Some of the benefits of facial fat transfer include:
- Natural-looking results in both look and feel of the treatment areas.
- Minimally invasive methods.
- No incisions or scarring to the face.
- The use of local anesthetics or IV sedation makes general anesthesia unnecessary.
- Using 100% natural cells from your own body eliminates the chance of allergic reactions.
- Transferred cells are incorporated into the surrounding tissues naturally, so results are long lasting.
- Individualized results for each and every patient.
- The procedure can be safely repeated as needed.
What Are the Risks of Fat Transfer Procedures?
While risks do exist for patients of facial fat transfer, they are very rare and tend to be fairly mild in severity. Following your procedure, it is typical to experience some soreness and swelling around both the donor area and treatment area. In some cases, a patient’s body may absorb the transferred fat cells, leading to less volume in the treatment area. Some facial plastic surgeons may suggest overfilling the area to prevent poor results.
Some other complications can occur, even rarer than those mentioned above. These may include a potential reaction to the local anesthetic or sedative used during the procedure, discoloration of the treatment area because of a ruptured blood vessel, scarring, and fat embolisms from poorly injected cells. To protect yourself against these unnecessary risks, you should be sure to work with a board certified and highly experienced facial plastic surgeon to perform your facial fat transfer.
How Can You Decide if Fat Transfers Are Right for You?
Like any cosmetic procedure, fat transfers are a completely personal decision. You should always gather as much information as you can about a potential procedure, talk with an expert facial plastic surgeon, and then make the decision you feel is right for your needs. The benefits of a facial fat transfer will outweigh the risks for most prospective patients, but just be sure you have a realistic expectation for your post-operative results. Your facial plastic surgeon is there to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask your questions and take a look at previous patient results to get a clearer picture of the changes you should expect.
Learn More About Facial Fat Transfers Today
To discover whether facial fat transfers would be right for you, consult with a facial plastic surgeon who is experienced, knowledgeable, and approachable too. Contact Weniger Plastic Surgery at (843) 757-0123 to book your initial rhinoplasty consultation, where your health, safety, and satisfaction are always a top priority. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick Weniger can discuss your various options and work with you to develop a comprehensive plan that will give you the best possible results and help you achieve all your plastic surgery goals.